Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) is a childcare top-up for working parents. It can be used to help pay for breakfast clubs, after school clubs, holiday clubs, childminders, or sports activities. TFC is available for children aged up to 11, or 17 if the child has a disability. Families can visit the Best Start in Life website to check if they are eligible. You can find out more about the scheme by clicking here.    

Many parents and carers do not realise that TFC can be saved up on their accounts. Even if childcare is not required throughout the school terms, there is still the option to save up funds. Please remind families of these schemes so they can plan for the upcoming half terms and holidays.  

Best Start in Life has a page of frequently asked questions, which may be useful for parents and carers. You can also signpost parents and carers to follow the Family Information Service (FIS) Facebook page. The FIS shares useful information on help paying for childcare and other topics that may be useful to families. 

Useful links and additional information: 

• Tax Free Childcare support for summer holiday activities
• Guidance on getting Tax-Free Childcare
• The Family Information Service's Facebook page   
• Help paying for childcare web page
• The Family Information Service website helps parents search for childcare